Ukraine Conflict: IJM Romania's Response
February 28th 2022:
IJM Romania is watching the tragic situation in the Ukraine carefully.
We are aware of the possibility that over time there will be increased vulnerability and risk of trafficking of persons. To prepare for that, we have proactively developed messaging on where victims can turn for help in Ukrainian and Romanian. We will be working with local partners to share this information in the coming days. Almost 11,000 Ukrainians entered Romania on Thursday (according to Reuters).
Meanwhile, IJM Romania staff are already volunteering and supporting NGO and church partners who operate in northern Romania near the Ukrainian border to prepare for an influx of refugees, collecting emergency supplies including nappies, cooking oil, nonperishable goods, food, coats and blankets this week.
March 2022:
The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is increasing the vulnerability of refugees to trafficking.
NGOs including IJM are warning of an 'acute risk of exploitation' for vulnerable women and children fleeing the war in Ukraine.
IJM teams are working now on the Ukrainian border to provide urgent support to refugees and prevent trafficking. At the moment, IJM is supporting refugees with food, transport and assisting shelters with trauma informed care
On March 2nd, IJM launched a crisis appeal to support the IJM Romania team who are working on the ground to protect at-risk women and children and prevent trafficking at the Ukraine border and beyond.
Prevent trafficking at the border and beyond